Happy Solstice

Today is the day with the longest period of daylight (in the Northern Hemisphere; in the Southern it's the longest night).

Here in the Sunshine State we're not far enough north to really see much difference.  Today's daylight will last 13-ish hours which isn't too noticeable.  The reverse is true in Winter, when the daylight only lasts 11-ish hours.

But in Maine where I grew up (pretty close to 45 degrees North latitude) it will be 15:30 hours of light.  Mom always hated winter because with only 9 hours or so of daylight it got dark around 4:00 in the afternoon.

But could be worse: Oslo (in the absolute south of Norway) will have almost 19 hours of daylight today.  Maybe this is why Scandinavian films are so depressing - winter gives them only 5 hours of daylight.

So enjoy the sun (assuming you don't live in the Antipodes).  And be thankful you don't live near Stonehenge.  The freaks come out in force today. 

Image re-enacted from the Wik

But eventually the sun will go down today (OK, not if you're in Fairbanks).  Take us away, Kenny ...